Vande Mataram mandatory at official events. What government's new guidelines say

According to the mandate, the 6-stanza rendition of the Vande Mataram will be required during significant occasions, including the unfurling of the Tricolour and the arrival of the President at formal events.

The government has mandated that a six-stanza version of Vande Mataram, with a duration of three minutes and ten seconds, be played or sung during all official ceremonies and state functions, sources said.

According to the mandate, the rendition will be required during significant occasions, including the unfurling of the Tricolour and the arrival of the President at formal events.

It will also be played or sung before and after the President’s speeches or national addresses.

The directive further extends to events involving state governors. The anthem is to be rendered before and after their arrival and speeches in official programmes.

Officials said the move is aimed at ensuring uniformity and protocol in ceremonial observances across government institutions. Detailed guidelines regarding the approved version and its duration have been circulated to relevant authorities.

The government’s directive follows closely on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of a year-long commemoration marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The Prime Minister inaugurated the celebrations by releasing a special commemorative stamp and coin in honour of the national song.